Page 8 of Cruel Academy (Princes of Ravenlake Academy 2)

From then on, I was allowed to fight.

It’s been extremely worth his while. I don’t lose—ever. Week after week ends with me on top of the ropes while the crowd screams my name.

He lost money on me this week for being stupid enough to bet against me, but the rest of the Hell Princes no doubt made a pretty sum.

I’m their cash cow.

Which is why, even in the midst of the drama between the Hell Princes and the Golden Boys, Felix wants to keep me around. It’s also why none of the Hell Princes ever mention my fights to my best friends.

They respect my wishes because it’s good for their bank account.

And also because I’ll beat the fuck out of any of them who don’t.

When I finish counting the last crumpled bill, I shove the five hundred dollars deep in my pocket and tip an imaginary hat. “Thanks for your time, as always, gentlemen. And keep in mind what I said about the linen. Very breathable material, you know?”

And then I’m gone, leaving behind two very pissed off Hell Princes who couldn’t lay a finger on me if they wanted to.

Because if they did, I’d put them in the fucking dirt.

5

Caleb

Most of the crowd has cleared from the arena, leaving behind the people cleaning up after the fight. There are two card girls standing within spitting distance of one another.

Shit.

For the life of me, I can’t remember which one I was talking to before.

There’s a redhead and a blonde, which should be a dead giveaway, but I was a bit more focused on her other assets to pay attention to her dye job.

They both have on tiny denim shorts and tank tops, asses that never quit, tits on display in expensive push-up bras.

I weigh my options. I could take a stab at it—just walk up to one of the girls and say something nondescript. Then, if she seems confused or doesn’t recognize me, I’ll move on to the other girl. Easy enough.

From the back, the redhead has the bigger ass. I decide to start there. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?

I check my phone as I saunter over. I have a few notifications from the guys. J.C. wants to know where I moved Finn’s spare key, and Noah texted a minute after J.C. did to tell me not to tell him where the key is.

I’ve been watching Finn’s house for him ever since he and Lily split for New York in the middle of the summer. I’m the only Golden Boy he can trust to actually show up to take care of the place and not destroy it.

Lily got into an art school up there, and Finn is working remotely for Barber Engineering. After all the shit with his dad happened, Finn inherited a lot of Mr. Foster’s responsibilities at the company. It’s taken a while to clean up the mess old William left behind.

I text J.C. to fuck off and stay away from Finn’s house when I’m not around. No telling what that clown would get up to if he was given run of the place.

The red-haired card girl spins around at the sound of my footsteps, purring out a greeting. “Hey, Caleb.”

Not helpful. I was hoping for something more concrete like,Are you ready to rail me now?

“Hey.” I glance up, but nothing about her face is particularly memorable.

She turns towards me, chest pressed out. “Great fight tonight.”

Shit. The other girl already said that, so unless she has early-onset dementia, this isn’t her.

“Caleb?” The blonde card girl is skewering me with her gaze.

Guess I picked wrong.

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